All posts by h79snht.top

As reported by Goal, Arsenal are looking to Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak as a potential big money signing, but the Spanish side’s eye-watering valuation may prove a stumbling block.

What’s the word?

Atleti’s Slovenian goalkeeper was almost ever-present for the La Liga side last season and, according to Goal, his form has alerted Arsenal, who are looking into bringing him to the Emirates.

With Petr Cech due to turn 35 by the time this season is over, a move for Oblak would offer Arsenal fans assurance that the number one position in North London is a priority for Wenger.

The French manager’s interest is such that he has already made multiple approaches to the Spanish club for his services.

However Athletico Madrid have put a €100 million price tag on the goalkeeper, highlighting how difficult it will be to pull off a move.

€100 million?!

It seems like a ridiculous amount of money for a goalkeeper but all it does is highlight his importance to a team that still have ambitions of winning La Liga and achieving success in European competition.

Oblak was the featured goalkeeper in last season’s UEFA Champions League team of the season, chosen by a panel of UEFA experts.

He was also the best goalkeeper in the entirety of La Liga, winning Marca’s fabled Ricardo Zamora Trophy which goes to the keeper with the lowest goals to game ratio for the season.

Oblak made 38 league appearances for Atleti in 2015-16 and conceded just 18 goals, giving him a goals to game ratio of 0.47. That’s the lowest ratio in the history of the award which stretches all the way back to 1929.

At just 23, the Slovenian international still has over a decade of football left in him and Atleti fans will be hoping the valuation puts clubs off, having already seen star goalkeepers in the past, like David de Gea, opt for Premier League football.

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As reported by The Sun, Manchester United and Chelsea are set to go head-to-head for the signature of Monaco’s promising midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

What’s the story?

Chelsea may be blowing Manchester United out of the water on the pitch this season but the Old Trafford club are determined to beat them in a contest off it to secure the signature of a Champions League calibre midfielder.

The Sun reckon both clubs are big admirers of Monaco’s star midfielder Bakayoko, who has been in exceptional form for the Ligue 1 side this season.

The paper reports that Chelsea have already sounded out a move for the 22 year old while Manchester United see the midfielder as a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick.

This could be a transfer tussle to watch over the coming windows with Monaco determined to hold on to their star players for a Champions League run.

Man United or Chelsea?

It’s taken time for Bakayoko time to establish himself fully into the Monaco first team since moving from Rennes in 2014. It’s safe to say though that with 22 appearances so far this season, he’s locked down a position in their midfield.

He’s been in exceptional form this season, helping his side to second position in Ligue 1 and top of their Champions League group ahead of Spurs and Bayer Leverkusen.

Representing his country in five different age groups, he’s tipped as a future French international and it won’t be long before he’s playing alongside the likes of Paul Pogba for France.

Building a partnership at Manchester United with Pogba could pay dividends for both his international chances and United themselves. Is he the missing piece in United’s midfield?

Bakayoko would have a French connection at Chelsea too of course with N’Golo Kante living up to his billing as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.

Which destination will the young defensive midfielder choose?

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Fröhliche Weihnachten, dear reader. Rather than enchant you with my trademark whimsy, today, I thought it would be fitting to offer up some insight into Christmas Day at chez Klopp. I was stirred from my slumber at 6:00am by the sound of my son Marc playfully bounding up and down the landing. “He’s been, he’s been!” he yelled with all the enthusiasm of Philippe Coutinho chasing a lost ball in the final third. Despite yearning for another hour in bed, my overall feeling is one of relief. I was so sure this was the year I had accidentally dismantled the illusion of Santa Claus by tripping over Marc’s

Despite yearning for another hour in bed, my overall feeling is one of relief. I was so sure this was the year I had accidentally dismantled the illusion of Santa Claus by tripping over Marc’s chello en-route to delivering a stocking to the end of his bed. I cherish these moments as I know I can’t play guardian of fantasies forever – after all, he is 28.

I gingerly woke Ulla with freshly squeezed orange juice and a figgy pudding compote, complimented by a tender peck on the forehead. After discussing the morning broadsheets as a family, we made our way downstairs to take our places by the John Lewis Christmas tree, standing to attention in the drawing room. I was well and truly spoiled this year. Nathanial Clyne bought me the complete works Dostoevsky, Divock Origi took heed of my hints for a Beavertown homebrew kit and Zeljko, my assistant, had the foresight to get me tickets to see Death Cab for Cutie in June. Lucas bought me a Lynx body wash set and a DVD of Norbitt – at the risk of sounding ungrateful, I do hope he kept the receipt.

Our neighbours, the Lallanas arrived fashionably late for lunch, which didn’t matter as my son and I were occupied in deep conversation about existentialism surrounding the VR headset Ulla and I had bought him. Perhaps we’ll take it out the box later. Frau Klopp had prepared a magnificent feast consisting of deconstructed goose served with fennel and a coffee porter jus. Laughter flowed just as smoothly as the craft lager and was only interrupted briefly by my confusion surrounding an English table cracker joke. I initially struggled to find humour in ‘what is the average lifespan of a common garden snail? 10 to 15 years’ before Adam explained that it was a fact, not a joke. Mrs. Lallana still found it hilarious.

After lunch, I suggested putting James Milner’s gift – a stack of blank A4 paper – to use by writing yuletide prose. Adam said we should use it to jot down the rules for a game of ‘Ring of Fire.’ We eventually settled on mapping out our tactics for the Stoke game on Tuesday whilst the girls tucked into the Strictly Christmas special. Following a further hour of debate surrounding the blurred lines between reality and the complexities of the minds’ construct, we eventually turned on Marc’s new VR kit before the sight of some 3D aquatic life caused Adam to remark that it was “doing his nut in.” I think Adam must still be feeling the effects of our Christmas soirée the other night.

As you know, our Senegalese maestro Sadio Mane ensured I came out on top in my battle of wits with Ronald Koeman and that festive proceedings got off to the most welcome of starts at LFC. This year’s function was a stark contrast to the last, when only my intentionally ironic dance moves salvaged spirits in wake of our 3-0 defeat to Watford – there’s a reason that eight of our squad attended this year’s Halloween party dressed as Adam Bogdan! This year, my dance moves were unbashfully intentional as we all lost ourselves in the synth-driven playlist I had pre-prepared for the DJ. The evening oozed of all the vitality you’d expect to see at the launch of a new Gunter Grass novel. The disco ball dazzled as brightly as Roberto Firmino’s teeth whilst Ragnar Klavan’s plied us all with so much Estonian Vana Tallin that by the time the Kraftwerk megamix came on, Emre Can genuinely believed he was leading the charges of the 1984 cultural revolution in Berlin. True to form, James Milner worked the room with advice for the forthcoming financial year as he quaffed mug after mug of decaffeinated evening tea.

As I sit here, royally stuffed from volovants and in-depth tactical analysis with Adam, I am reflecting on how strongly the winds of change have blown for us this past year. Who knows? By Christmas 2017, we could have a fully functional back four and a half-decent goalkeeper? I shan’t get greedy, though, after all, Christmas is a time for appreciating what you already have. I must now echo that sentiment to Georginio Wijnaldum who has just expressed his dismay in our Whatsapp group chat at being given vacuum bags by James Milner.

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It’s a testament to how Paul Pogba has performed this season that you can say he is living up to his world record price tag.

He’s become Manchester United’s main man, often driving them on to victory in support of the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Pogba is the kind of signing that United have been crying out for, for years. Under Mourinho he looks to have the potential to become a Red Devils great and the Old Trafford boss certainly agrees.

The French international is still just 23, having plenty of time to grow into the shirt. He has been tipped to not only do that but also eventually go on to become Manchester United captain.

When asked whether Pogba has the chance of taking the armband one day, Mourinho (quoted by The Mirror) said:

I think he has. I think he has the charisma, the ambition, the mentality. He’s a good professional. Being so young and with so many ingredients, I think he can.

It’s a fantastic endorsement from a manager who has had some legendary captains in his team throughout his career.

Pogba will be hoping to write another chapter in his United story when the Red Devils host Liverpool at Old Trafford in a massive clash that could go a long way to deciding the top 4 positions at the end of the season.

A good performance against United’s bitter rivals will only endear him further with an already enraptured support.

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The Premier League’s transfer window is drawing to a close and managers are scrambling for late additions to their squads, while players look to force a move to ensure they can begin 2017 by playing first-team football.

The notable transfers of this window so far have been less than exciting, for the most part. Saido Berahino’s long-running saga ended with a move to Stoke City, while Jose Fonte finally cut ties with Southampton as he joined West Ham.

Many a player will be hoping for a similar end to the winter’s transfer window. Whether form has declined at their current club or they simply just want a chance to show what they can do in the first-team elsewhere, players are well within their rights to try and force a move towards the end of a transfer window.

Some, however, will be that bit keener than others to get that much-wanted transfer, and with that in mind, here are TEN who will be desperate to move on…

Ashley Young

Occasionally used as a full-back, Ashley Young has seen his role change drastically at Manchester United. From being a key figure during his first few seasons at the club, Young is now nothing more than a ‘make up the numbers’ squad member.

Alas, with experience and technical prowess, he could surely still do a job for many a Premier League club, mind.

Branislav Ivanovic

The change to a back three by Antonio Conte has seen Branislav Ivanovic pushed aside. Only featuring infrequently as a late defensive substitute, the Serbian is no longer a key member of the Chelsea squad, and his decline over the last couple of seasons has been evident.

However, his experience surely still makes him a potentially tempting target for several clubs around Europe. Although lifting the Premier League trophy aloft as a Chelsea player one last time may keep him in west London for a few more months, not many Blues fans would begrudge Ivanovic wanting a move.

Jordan Rhodes

With Alvaro Negredo leading the line alone for the majority of the season and Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede recently signed from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively, Jordan Rhodes’ chances at Middlesbrough look likely to be few and far between.

Whether a move to another Premier League team is on the cards is unknown but, quite frankly, it’s unlikely. Rhodes has proven his quality in the Championship, and he may have to do it one more time before he gets a legitimate shot at making it in the top flight.

Daniel Sturridge

Injuries have blighted Daniel Sturridge’s career over the last two seasons or so, but it is a lack of favour with Jurgen Klopp that is now the striker’s biggest issue. Relegated to starts in cup games and being behind Divock Origi in the pecking order for a starting berth, Sturridge’s finishing talents are being wasted.

Liverpool would certainly like to keep a player of Sturridge’s calibre around the club, even if he isn’t playing very often, but the former Chelsea man will surely be looking for a move sooner or later.

Fabian Delph

The resurgence of Yaya Toure and the signing of Ilkay Gundogan – despite him being out with a long-term injury – make it challenging to see how Fabian Delph can have a long-term future at Manchester City. His best hope, seemingly, would be to convert to a role as a utility player to give Pep Guardiola an option at full-back.

However, when fit, Delph has proven he can produce the goods for Manchester City and would not be short of suitors if he did want a transfer away from the club.

Lucas Leiva

Like Sturridge, Lucas Leiva is now featuring for Liverpool as a second string squad member, appearing in cup matches or when the club is in the depths of an injury crisis. The Brazilian is still a respected figure but has little to no chance of becoming a first-team regular at the club again.

Lucas would still have plenty of offer to many teams around Europe, however, and should look to extend his career at the top of the game by moving on. While he might not be the man for Klopp, he has a few years left in him just yet.

Matteo Darmian

Signed as an answer to a long-running full-back problem for Manchester United, Matteo Darmian has never settled as a regular at Old Trafford. He has put in several performances in which he has really struggled, too. Although his quality is evident, the Italian looks unlikely to have a future at the club beyond the end of this season.

A return to Italy is most likely and the former Torino man might as well leave the club while he can during this window instead of wasting a few more months.

Bojan

Foolishly cast into the role of occasional substitute by Mark Hughes, Bojan leaving the Potters seems almost inevitable this month. Having started just five league matches this season, the Spaniard is understandably frustrated at his role and deserves to be playing on a regular basis.

He was the symbol of the ‘New Stoke’, but the former La Masia star has become an outcast. Hughes will regret letting him go, but Bojan must surely be looking to move clubs before the end of this January window.

Vincent Janssen

Even when Harry Kane was out injured for a prolonged period, Vincent Janssen could not find his best form. Whether he was a cause or an effect of Spurs’ poor run, it’s hard to tell at this point, but his all-round game did show signs of being ideal for Spurs. That said – barring another Kane injury – he simply will not get sufficient chances to get back to his sharpest at Spurs.

A move that looked so good on paper, and could have worked out in different circumstances, looks set to come to a disappointing end.

Odion Igahlo

After the talk of a mega-money move to China, Odion Ighalo’s future looks slightly less glamorous. His dismal goalscoring form has continued this season – netting only once in the league – and the Nigerian could probably benefit from a change of scene and a change of team.

Watford have other options in his position, too, with Stefano Okaka looking more of a threat than Ighalo for the majority of this season. Whether it be to a fellow Premier League club or elsewhere in Europe, Ighalo is unlikely to be at Watford by the start of 2017/18.

Arsene Wenger’s boots remained un-muddied. His shin pads stayed in England. His perspiration borne out of anxiety and pressure as the hot flash of humiliation subsided into a cold sweat.

Bayern Munich, on the other hand, barely broke a sweat as they eased past the Frenchman’s Arsenal at the Allianz Arena, running out 5-1 winners and effectively guaranteeing their ticket to the Champions League quarter-finals. Their trip from Munich Airport to London Heathrow will be a relaxed one and their night at the Emirates Stadium, barring the most unlikely turn of events, will be a cakewalk.

This result has been used as yet another stick with which to beat Wenger, and the ever-growing ranks of the Wenger Out brigade have a point. Arsenal have not really progressed over the course of the past five to ten years and he was indeed the man responsible for laying out the tactical plan and motivating his players for their trip to Bavaria. Alas, the 67-year-old couldn’t step over the white line when the first whistle sounded, it was down to his selected eleven to uphold their end of the bargain. Losing by four goals shows that didn’t happen.

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Bayern are certainly not the opponents Arsenal would have hoped for when they topped Group A, thus securing a tie against a runner-up from the group stages. The Germans are among European footballing royalty and have won eight league titles since the Gunners were last kings of England, so a loss was always expected. The optimists would have dreamed of a narrow victory or even a score draw to take back to the north of London, but the gulf between the two teams on the night meant that was never really on the cards, even when Alexis Sanchez levelled the scores after 30 minutes.

The gap between the two teams plays out in the stats. Bayern enjoyed almost three-quarters of possession, out-shot Arsenal by 25 to seven and had seven more corners. The only major stat that was anywhere near being equal was the foul count, which the Gunners ‘won’ eleven to twelve. It only amplifies the humiliation.

The initial set-up, Wenger’s tried-and-trusted 4-2-3-1, and his words before kick-off clearly played a role in this, but the manner in which the team went about their business on the pitch was shoddy. When Bayern really ramped up the pressure in the second-half Arsenal folded, and by the time the clock hit 70 minutes it appeared they had given up. Startlingly, between the 50th and 60th minutes, they shipped three goals and didn’t win a tackle.

Culprits can be identified all over the pitch, but Francis Coquelin ranks among the worst in the gold shirt. The Frenchman was horribly off the pace, making just nine passes, of which only six were completed. To put that into perspective, his opposite number in the holding role for Bayern, Xabi Alonso, played 111 passes with a success rate of about 90%. That’s 100 passes, almost 17 times as many as Coquelin. The numbers don’t get any better when you consider that the 25-year-old failed to win a tackle across his 77 minutes on the pitch, despite Bayern being heavily on top and his role being to protect the defence.

Coquelin was by no means alone. Mesut Ozil – the ‘pass-master’ – played 24 passes in total, a number matched by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Granted, the home stopper was merely stroking the ball out from the back, making this a somewhat moot comparison, but Ozil is seen as Arsenal’s playmaker, so for him to have been matched in terms of passes made by an underworked goalkeeper is as surprising as it is worrying.

No matter where you look on the pitch the Arsenal players lost their individual battles. Shkodran Mustafi struggled all evening with Robert Lewandowski, Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs could not deal with the inventiveness of Arjen Robben and Douglas Costa’s, while Alex Iwobi looked every inch the inexperienced 20-year-old he is up against veteran campaigner Philipp Lahm. The only player who had even a semblance of joy was Sanchez, and even his tireless running and fierce will to win were not enough.

It may be simplistic, but the manager cannot win individual battles on the pitch. He can tinker and set up so as to not magnify his players’ weaknesses and must take responsibility for some being exposed, but ultimately those on the turf have to take the initiative and work to ensure they are not so out-played. If this was not possible, games would always be won by the better set of players, and while on the whole the stronger team wins the match, that’s not always the case.

It may indeed prove that this is a bridge too far for Wenger. His side are effectively out of the title race and will surely take their leave from Europe on March 7, while their EFL Cup quest ended at the hands of Southampton. The FA Cup remains there to play for, but even a third victory in four years won’t represent the progress and reward for investment demanded by the fans, despite the board’s seeming contentment to extend his contract beyond its summer 2017 expiration.

The players, however, will stay, but their culpability really should be questioned to the same extent Arsene Wenger’s is. They should be the ones sweating on their futures.

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According to Sky Sports, West Ham are closing in on signing Kevin Malcuit from St. Etienne for a fee believed to be £10 million.

What’s the word?

Looking at West Ham’s side this season, you have to say one area sticks out more than the others as their weak spot.

That, of course, is at right-back where they have chopped and changed more than most this year in trying to find an option that works.

Sam Byram should be there most of the time, but he has had serious injury issues throughout his West Ham career and a more reliable option is needed.

Indeed, Alvaro Arbeloa was meant to help out in that regard but he’s hardly featured either leaving the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate to have to fill in.

Malcuit seems to have a position ready made for him, then, and at 25-years-old he is approaching the peak of his powers. That, coupled with the fact he has European experience suggests he’ll be a decent player, then, but let’s take a closer look.

A good move?

More detailed inspection backs up initial impressions that the defender should be a hit with the Hammers.

He is a right-back by trade but can go down the left, too, and that could come in handy if Aaron Cresswell doesn’t rediscover his form.

He has four assists to his name this season, too, suggesting his willingness to get forward with him known for an ability to beat his opposing man and deliver the goods.

If he can translate that into the Premier League, then the men from east London could be on to a winner.

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The Telegraph are of the opinion at the moment that West Ham could look to prise away Christian Benteke from Selhurst Park in the summer with the Belgian reportedly disillusioned with life at Crystal Palace.

What’s the word?

According to the report, the powerful Belgian international Benteke will consider his options once the season is over – even if his current side Palace do stay away from relegation to the Championship this year.

He’s not had the best time of it at Selhurst Park – though it’s been better than his time at Liverpool, in fairness – and it appeared to reach its lowest point at the weekend as he rowed with Andros Townsend at full-time, despite Palace’s 1-0 victory.

It’s thought, then, that a move could be possible with West Ham reportedly open to trying to get him to switch south London for east.

The Hammers only really have Andy Carroll as a recognised striker and source of goals and so signing the former Aston Villa man would boost numbers

Would it work?

There are very good reasons as to why such a move would pay off for the Hammers – even if Benteke has been out of form more often than not over the past year and a half.

West Ham are at their best when they can get the ball wide and play it up to Andy Carroll who holds off defenders and brings others into play.

They tried to mix things up with the signing of Simone Zaza but that backfired spectacularly; so this potential Benteke move suggests the club want to stick to what they know.

The Belgian is the perfect man to rival Carroll at the club, and that extra competition for places should spur the pair on next season.

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The last few weeks have been something of a delicate period for Championship leaders Newcastle United. An unkind run of fixtures saw the Magpies face Norwich City, Aston Villa, and Bristol City before a triple-header against three of the division’s top sides, all away from home.

They came through unscathed, though, and their claim to the Championship crown is as convincing as it has been all season. Wins over Brighton and Huddersfield preceded a draw with Reading, and although they’re only three points ahead of the second-placed Seagulls, it may well be the nine point cushion they have over Huddersfield in third that pleases Rafael Benitez the most.

As Newcastle come out the other end of a daunting run of the gauntlet, it’s always tempting to view life on the other side as easy, the hard work out of the way. I spoke to Jonnie Gorrie, editor of Nothing But Newcastle, to see whether Newcastle fans feel like their season still holds much to fear.

“Such is the nature of supporting Newcastle United, you’re always wary of a slip up!”

“The manner in which they conducted themselves in the toughest week of the season was certainly impressive, but the home form has been a worry all season. St. James’ Park can be a difficult place to play when Newcastle are expected to win. Hopefully the way the players dealt with pressure in the away games will translate into their outings on Tyneside.”

In their last home game, Newcastle found themselves 2-0 down after just 21 minutes to a Bristol City side currently teetering on the brink of relegation. Four home defeats in the league this season is double the number that struggling Aston Villa have suffered at home in the Championship. Indeed, if only home games counted, Newcastle wouldn’t even be in a playoff place. Away from home, though, it’s a different story: they’ve taken ten points more than any other team in the league.

You get the feeling, then, that Newcastle’s run of difficult away games would have been even tougher had they all come at home. The pressure cooker atmosphere has an effect on the club both for good and for bad, but when a promotion – that at the start of the season was the bare minimum of requirements – hangs in the balance, it’s more of a curse than a blessing.

“Had Newcastle been 1-0 down to Brighton on Tyneside the home crowd would have been very nervous indeed, something that hasn’t really stood the team in good stead at times this season, but some players look to be hitting form at the right stage of the season, which should see them over the line.”

It does now look like automatic promotion is the very least that Newcastle fans can expect this season. Only a major collapse would now see them fall into the playoffs, but they do still need to see off Brighton in order to win the league.

“I think if you asked both Brighton and Newcastle before the start of last week, neither would overly care about who won the league,” Gorrie tells me.

“The Magpies will now see anything other than a title win as a disappointment, but Brighton have waited so long that the mere thought of getting over the line will light a fire in their bellies.”

From a Brighton point of view, though, their season could well depend on whether or not they can hold off Huddersfield, rather than catch Newcastle.

Sam Rourke, editor of Football League World, feels that the battle for promotion is centred around second rather than first at this point, too. “If i’m being honest I really think Newcastle have top spot in the bag now, they have turned up when it really matters this season,” he says, vocalising what most worried the Championship would become right throughout the season. If Newcastle do win the league, though, it won’t be the procession it threatened to be in the summer.

What about Brighton, though? Last season they lost out on automatic promotion by two goals and crashed out of the playoffs in the semi-finals. In fact, they’ve been in the playoffs every year since 2012/13, apart from one year spent just above the relegation spots. It’s certainly eventful on the south coast, but they may never get a better chance at promotion than they have right now, and failure to take it this time could be more serious than just another year in the Championship. If they do miss out, could they just crumble?

“That’s always the worry with Brighton. But they’ve looked so strong all season – barring the odd mishap – so you’d think they’ve just done enough to hold off Huddersfield,” says Gorrie. And whilst Rourke is impressed with the Seagulls this season, he can certainly see the disaster scenario, too.

“Brighton have well and truly recovered from the play-off heartbreak last year. What strikes me most is their organisational qualities. Hughton has instilled a real air of discipline into the squad, and every player just seems to know exactly what’s required.”

“But staying in the 2nd tier would be a bitter pill to swallow for Seagulls fans, as they’ve been top two near enough the whole season. To fall at the final hurdle would have a serious detrimental effect to the whole club – and ultimately, I get the impression it would spark a mass exodus. With the club’s most influential players like Knockaert, Dunk, Stephens and Stockdale all likely to jump ship in pursuit of top-flight football.”

The race for promotion certainly isn’t over, and even if the title race is being put to the back of people’s minds, the pressure is still rising in the Championship. If Newcastle slip, there’s a fair chance it’ll be their home form that does it for them. But if Brighton do, it could arguably be even more catastrophic: next summer would be all about who stays and who goes.

This is when the pressure starts to bite.

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International breaks mid-season are never the most exciting time for die hard football fans who follow their clubs week-in, week-out. Often seen as a distraction, especially when friendlies are involved, many supporters are left twiddling their thumbs when the weekend without their teams rolls around.

It can be disruptive too, especially for teams in good form who are hitting their stride. For teams out of form it can be a period of unwanted reflection and navel gazing that can sink confidence even lower.

For Rangers though, the current international break has come an absolutely perfect time for the club and their new manager Pedro Caixinha. Having been in the job for just two weeks, time is precious for the Portuguese in the midst of an important few months for the club.

Here are THREE reasons why this particular international weekend is a godsend for Rangers as they look to revive a stuttering top flight campaign.

Caixinha gets time on the training pitch

Despite managing to guide Rangers to a win against Hamilton, Pedro Caixinha’s greatest tests this season still lie ahead, with two massive matches in April against Aberdeen and Celtic to contend with.

He needs his side well drilled and organised when going up against competitive opposition like that and will likely find other teams a much different prospect compared to struggling Accies.

This fortnight on the training pitch will do wonders for the team, for his relationship with the team and if all goes to plan then their performances on the pitch too.

Caixinha also gets more time to get to grips with who he can trust in match situations and who might be a hidden gem in the Rangers squad that he can tap into.

All that would have been made more difficult had Rangers had matches this weekend and mid-week but as it is, supporters can expect to see some obvious benefits of his reign in short order.

Key players get a big rest ahead of season climax

While Rangers do have some players away on international duty, the majority of the squad have not been called upon by their countries to play. Key players like James Tavernier, Clint Hill, Emerson Hyndman and Martyn Waghorn all get a decent rest to prepare themselves for their key tasks in the tail-end of the season.

It’s going to be a fast and frantic few months at Ibrox, especially if they are to haul in Aberdeen in second and get themselves to a second successive Scottish Cup Final. It’s the perfect chance for them to recharge some energy, work on their fitness and go at the end of the season full tilt.

This should be one international break that Rangers cheer rather than bemoan.

Plenty of time to appoint the right man

Central to Pedro Caixinha’s plans for Rangers includes appointing a coach that can help him with life at Ibrox and Auchenhowie. He was reported to have interviewed candidates this week and potential appointments include Barry Ferguson and Peter Lovenkrands.

It’s clear the club are looking at getting in someone who can instil a bit of the Rangers spirit into Caixinha’s reign with the new man experiencing his first taste of Scottish football.

This international break gives him a bit of breathing room to think about his ideal choice to work alongside without the pressure of games to think about. This is a key appointment for the short-term and long-term future of the club and getting in the wrong man could be costly.

Rangers don’t play against until April 1st against Motherwell, giving him bags of time to get someone in and get them working on the training pitch.